If you have been dating a guy that has recently experienced a breakup, you should be aware of the signs he wants to go back to his ex. Dating a guy too soon after a breakup puts you at a big risk of being a rebound because he hasn’t had a chance to process his emotions. Guard your heart by knowing the following signs he wants to go back to his ex so you can walk away before your feelings get any stronger for him.
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1. Talks about the Ex
It’s always kind of uncomfortable whenever a guy’s brings up his ex in conversation. It’s not a problem when he is telling you about his past relationships or when you ask him about her, but one of the signs he wants to go back to his ex is if he is always bringing up her name at random times regardless of the conversation subject. This means that he still has her on his mind even when you are with him.
2. Still in Communication
After a breakup, couples usually go their separate ways. No contact is necessary because each person needs to adjust to life as a single person and not as a half of a couple. There are certain times when it’s okay that he is still in communication with his ex, like when they have kids or when they need to sell a vehicle they share. It’s definitely a warning sign if he is communicating with her through text messages or on the phone without a good reason like those I mentioned.
Frequently asked questions
If he talks about her often or compares you to her, that's a red flag. Also, if he seems distracted or distant, she might still be on his mind.
Look for things like staying in touch with her, checking her social media, or being secretive with his phone. Those could be signs he's still interested.
Not necessarily, but if he prioritizes time with her over you, that could be a concern. It might be worth having a conversation about it.
It depends on the situation, but some do if they feel unresolved or if they believe the relationship can work out this time around.
Being friends can be okay, but it’s important to talk about boundaries. If you feel uncomfortable, it's important to communicate that to him.
3. Freaks out over New Guy
The moment he heard about her dating someone new or having a new boyfriend, his demeanor changes. He acts jealous, sullen and upset that she has a new guy in her life. He would only act this way if he still has feelings for her and is still emotionally invested in the relationship. If he was over it, he wouldn’t be acting like a jealous ex.
4. He’s at Her Beck and Call
Your boyfriend seems to be his ex’s go-to guy. He comes running whenever she calls to help her out with things like a ride to work or to fix a leaky faucet. In fact, you are beginning to wonder if she is just creating excuses so that she has contact with him. Even though you protest and have told him that it bothers you, he still finds reasons to have contact with her.
It's essential to trust your partner, but constant assistance to an ex can ignite feelings of uncertainty. His readiness to jump at every request she makes—despite your discomfort—sends a clear message his priorities might be misaligned. This pattern is more than just helpfulness; it suggests that he hasn't entirely let go of their past. There's a fine line between being considerate and being too involved, and it seems he may be blurring that division, unwittingly keeping the emotional door open for a reunion with her.
5. Zones out with Memories
You have walked into the room to find your boyfriend with a zoned out look on his face staring at old cell phone messages from her. If he wanted to move on, he wouldn’t have texts from her on his cell. These old text messages can easily stir up sweet memories of their relationship. If he’s looking at old texts from her, it’s pretty obvious he is missing her.
6. Computer History
Snooping isn’t good but this is one of those times when it’s justified because you are heading for inevitable heartbreak if your suspicions of wanting his ex back are correct. So take a peek at his browsing history on his computer, tablet or cell phone. If he misses her, he’s going to be sending her e-mails or Facebook stalking her. Alarm bells should be ringing if he’s checking her Facebook page on a daily basis.
7. Sentimental Mementos
What is that on his dresser? If it’s a sentimental keepsake like a teddy bear from his ex, he isn’t over her. Another sign he’s hoping to get back his ex is if he has kept sentimental mementos in plain sight. It’s one thing to store keepsakes in a small box in the back of a closet but if these little sweet tokens and treasures from her are displayed throughout his place, run. The only reason to have an ex’s memento so blatantly displayed is if he wants to trigger past memories of their relationship.
It’s a waste of time to date a guy that can’t offer you his heart because his ex still has a iron hold on it. If that’s the case there is nothing you can do aside from walking away. How did you know your boyfriend wasn’t over his ex?
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